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MeiLin@MeiLinBarralPhoto.com
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Welcome to the blog, home to Chicago's queer intimate wedding photographer for couples in love + their four-legged family.
(I'm here and queer!)
1. My first name is Mei Lin (she/her)
2. I'm part of the LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities
3. I really love pugs!
4. I’m a huge musical theatre fan
5. I care deeply about animal welfare as well as social justice issues.
6. I incorporate sustainable practices throughout your wedding photography experience
Photo By Lena Mirisola Photography
Are you planning your elopement in Chicago and wondering where to start? I created this guide with you in mind! This guide will walk you through all the steps to planning your perfect elopement in the Windy City.
The first step to planning your elopement is sitting down with your partner to think about what you want your special day to look like. Your elopement will be as unique a day as you are a couple so spending time to determine your priorities together will help you plan the right elopement for you.
I recommend you each take a piece of paper and come up with your top three elopement day priorities – other than marrying each other, of course. Do you want your loved ones with you? Do you care the most about your attire? Is getting great photos important to you? Once you’ve both thought about your priorities, share them to see what your top priorities are as a couple as you start to plan your day. These will be what you want to keep top of mind as you complete the next steps in planning your elopement.
If your perfect elopement is just the two of you, your officiant, & photographer then feel free to skip this step entirely! If you envisioned having your loved ones with you, then this is the time to think about that list.
The number of guests will have a direct impact on your budget, location options, and timeline for your day so making this decision early on will help as you make other decisions in the planning process. If you’re planning on including your four-legged family, read this blogpost to learn how to calm your dog.
We all know Chicago weather can be finicky, to put it lightly, so considering the time of year when planning your elopement is important. This is especially essential if you’re planning an outdoor elopement. It may be wise to pick a day during the week to avoid crowds at popular locations to have a more private ceremony. There are certain locations in Chicago that require a photography permit. To view some of my favorites, click here.
There are nearly endless options for locations for your elopement in Chicago. From gorgeous rooftops to beaches to a boat on Lake Michigan, you are certain to find a spot perfect for your day. If you’re looking for a day that feels particularly you, you may want to consider getting married at your favorite restaurant or bar that is meaningful to your relationship. If you’re thinking about eloping at City Hall, I’ve got a full guide to planning your Chicago City Hall wedding for you here.
For a Chicago elopement, you will get your marriage license from the Cook County Clerk’s office. You can start the process of applying for your license online or choose to complete the application in person. Either way, you and your partner must appear in person, with valid identification, and pay a $60 marriage license fee to sign your marriage license. Once signed, your marriage license will be effective 1 day after issuance (so don’t wait until the last second!) and is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
I recommend getting your license 1-2 weeks before your wedding date so that you know everything is settled well in advance. After your ceremony, you will complete the bottom portion of your marriage license and mail or deliver it to the Clerk’s office. I recommend double-checking to confirm all details on the Cook County clerk’s website here.
Deciding what you’re going to wear is a fun and important step in planning your elopement. Take time to think about how you want to look and feel on your special day. Do you want to go traditional, quirky, eclectic, or maybe pick a favorite outfit that you already own?
Even without a full-day wedding and reception to plan, you can still hire vendors to play an important role on your special day.
Hire a photographer to capture your elopement so that you have memories to look back on forever. If you’re interested in working with me, you can inquire here.
Hire a florist if you’re wanting a bouquet to carry with you on your special day. Dusk Lily Floral specializes in creating unique bouquets. Flora Chicago has a loose, organic, garden style for their wedding floral designs. EcoWilde Flower Co. offers lush sustainable floral design.
Hire a hairstylist if you want to have your hair styled professionally for your special day. This Barber Jackie aims to have everyone feel relaxed, comfortable, and confident on their big day.
What do you want to be the first thing you do together once married?
You could plan a dinner at your favorite restaurant or the one you’ve always been meaning to try.
You could head right off to the honeymoon of your dreams.
You could plan a celebration with your loved ones in a reception-style event for those who couldn’t be a part of the ceremony.
You could even host a bowling + laser tag reception like this one.
Follow this guide and you’ll be well on your way to having the elopement day of your dreams!
Want to work together? Inquire here!
Mei Lin (first name, pronounced "may-LYNN", she/her) is a queer Chicago intimate wedding photographer who's passionate about commemorating diverse couples grounded in the present moment. Animal welfare, social justice, and sustainability are three things that are really important to her.
Trans rights are human rights. Love is love. Stop AAPI Hate. Black Lives Matter.
about the author
Chicago intimate
Wedding Photographer
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
for PEOPLE grounded
in the present moment.
Chicago intimate Wedding Photographer
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
for PEOPLE grounded in the present moment.
© 2024 Mei Lin Barral Photography
brand + web design by inkpot creative, llc
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